Victorian Aboriginal businesses will be better supported following the launch of three new initiatives to increase competition, encourage collaboration and create growth backed by the Victorian Government.
Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford today announced more than $500,000 in funding for Kinaway Chamber of Commerce and RMIT University to deliver the projects.
“We’re proud to back Victoria’s Aboriginal small businesses so that they can continue to thrive and drive innovation and entrepreneurship across a range of sectors,” said Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford.
“By supporting Aboriginal businesses we’re creating new opportunities, encouraging economic growth and generating much needed local jobs.”
The funding will help Kinaway Chamber of Commerce appoint an Aboriginal Women’s Business Development Manager to foster growth in the Aboriginal women’s business sector.
Kinaway will also launch an Aboriginal business joint venture awareness program in partnership with non-Aboriginal businesses and increase competitiveness for government and private sector contracts.
RMIT University will assist in developing high-growth, export-ready Aboriginal businesses to build partnerships with higher education organisations.
Each initiative is in line with priorities set out in Victorian Government Victorian Aboriginal Business Strategy, Tharamba Bugheen.
The $6.6 million Tharamba Bugheen strategy was launched in 2017 to encourage the economic advancement of Victoria’s Aboriginal business community and foster self-determination.
The strategy’s three aims are to ensure businesses have access to support and advice, improve visibility and networks of Aboriginal businesses and strengthen entrepreneurial culture and business experience.
Victoria’s Aboriginal business sector is growing quickly with Kinaway reporting a membership increase of 426 per cent in the past 18 months, rising to more than 220 verified Aboriginal businesses.
The Government is also assisting Aboriginal businesses during coronavirus by providing more than $285,000 to Kinaway and Ngarrimili, a business support foundation, to deliver women’s business help, tax assistance, business health and wellbeing, and improved online visibility.
